VOLUME 8: THE GIRLS THAT CAME WITH THE RAIN GET A DELIVERY
The predawn light had started to come in by the time Zed and the girls finally fell asleep.
Giani had gotten up soon after, she had a shipment of ingredients coming in straight from Italy early morning. She got dressed quietly and disappeared.
Deb followed Giani downstairs and decided to hide in the linen closet again, where she felt comfy, falling asleep once more.
Upstairs, Alice and Betty woke gradually, blinking in the brighter morning light streaming through the window. They stretched languidly, muscles protesting slightly from their energetic escapades the night before.
Betty smiled dreamily at Zed's sleeping face, tracing his jawline gently.
-Morning already? Betty whispered, turning to gauge Alice's reaction. It feels like we only just drifted off.
-Morning sunshine, we have nowhere to go. Back to sleep babe, Zed mumbled as he kissed Betty and spread out in the less crowded bed.
Betty settled back against the pillows with a content little sigh.
-Okay sweetheart, if you say so. Wake me up if you need anything though, okay? Betty whispered.
-I will love, Zed said as he draped a leg over Betty and fell back asleep.
Careful not to wake him, Betty whispered excitedly to her sister.
-Al, last night was...
-Mind-blowing? Earth-shattering? Life-changing? Alice cut her off.
Betty giggled, nodding eagerly.
-Yes, yes and yes! I never knew anything could feel that incredible! And with Zed and Giani...Wow!
Alice scoffed.
-Could you be any more starry-eyed right now? It's cute. Really, Alice smirked, nudging her sister. Seriously though Bets, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Even if you are acting like a blushing virgin discovering pleasure for the first time.
Betty blushed more, swatting at Alice's arm.
-I am not! Okay, maybe a little. But it was amazing Alice. Like nothing I've ever experienced, even here.
Just then, there was a loud knocking on the front door downstairs.
Downstairs in the linen closet Deb jumped at the sudden noise.
In the bedroom, Alice and Betty startled at the sudden pounding.
-Should we see who it is? Maybe it's important, Betty whispered.
Alice interrupted, waving off her sister's concerns.
Zed opened his eyes slightly as the knocking started to wake him up.
-Who is that? he asked groggily. Would you mind getting it? he asked as he caressed Betty's hand.
Betty bit her lip, glancing towards the door before turning back to Zed.
-Um, I guess so... Let me throw on something real quick though.
She slipped out of bed and hastily pulled on a robe, belting it tightly around her waist. Meanwhile, Alice stretched out, not bothering to cover herself.
Zed cuddled up to Alice in his sleep as Betty tried to get dressed and the knocking continued.
-I'm coming! Betty yelled as she rushed downstairs.
She opened the door to find it was the delivery people from her and Zed's shopping spree at the antiques store. Standing outside with several large boxes, Hazel and Iris exchanged a glance as Betty answered, still looking rather tousled and flustered.
-Good morning! Hazel smirked slightly. We have a delivery here for Mr. Zed. Quite a few pieces from your recent purchase. Is he available to sign for them?
Hazel held out the digital tablet for Betty, shooting her a knowing wink.
-Y-yes, of course. One moment please, Betty said. She ushered Hazel and Iris inside, directing them to set the boxes down near the staircase.
Deb peeked cautiously out of the linen closet, squinting at the unexpected visitors.
-Well well, fancy meeting you two lovely ladies here, Deb said as she let herself out of the closet. To what do we owe this late morning delight?
Betty looked startled and embarrassed as Deb emerged, unsure whether to be annoyed or amused.
-Uh, Deb, hi... These nice ladies delivered some antique items for Zed and me, from our shopping trip Monday, Betty explained quietly, hoping to deflect any potential awkwardness.
